Contrary to the drivel being spewed by Republicans, twelve Supreme Court Justices have been nominated and confirmed in an election year.
In three cases presidents who were “lame ducks” in the real meaning of the phrase nominated them. (Their successors had been elected but not yet taken office.) *
Chief Justice John Marshall nominated by President: John Adams in January 1801. Confirmed January 1801. *
Justice William Johnson nominated by President: Thomas Jefferson on March 22, 1804. Confirmed on May 7, 1804
Justice Samuel Nelson nominated by President: John Tyler on
February 1845. Confirmed March 1845. *
Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller nominated by President: Grover Cleveland in April 1888. Confirmed: July 1888
Justice William B. Woods nominated by President: Rutherford Hayes nominated on December 21, 1880. Confirmed on January 5, 1881. *
Justice George Shiras nominated by President Benjamin Harrison in January 1892. Confirmed: July 1892.
Justice Mahlon Pitney nominated by President William Taft on
March 13, 1912. Confirmed on March 18, 1912.
Justice Louis D. Brandeis nominated by President Woodrow Wilson on January 28, 1916. Confirmed June 1, 1916
Justice John H. Clark nominated by President: Woodrow Wilson
On July 14, 1916. Confirmed on July 21, 1916.
Justice Benjamin N. Cardoza nominated by President: Herbert Hoover in January 1932. Confirmed March 1, 1932.
Justice Frank Murphy nominated by President F.D. Roosevelt
In January 1940. Confirmed: January 1940.
Justice Anthony Kennedy nominated by President Ronald Reagan on November 30, 1987. Confirmed February 3, 1988.